The artwork “Dancer resting” by Edgar Degas dates back to circa 1879 – 1880. Created using chalk and pastel on board, this piece belongs to the Impressionist movement and is categorized as a genre painting. Currently, it resides within a private collection. The artwork illustrates the quiet poise of a single ballet dancer.
In the artwork, the dancer is depicted in profile, slightly turned away from the viewer as she rests her hands on a piece of sheet music, which she appears to be reading. The soft, diffused light cascading upon the dancer suggests an atmosphere of serene contemplation or temporary reprieve. Her ballet attire and the tutu suggest a setting tied to her profession or passion, yet the scene conveys a sense of stillness rather than the dynamism typically associated with dance. To her right stands a cylindrical, dark-colored object, potentially a stove, which contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the background and the dancer’s dress. The application of chalk and pastel creates a harmonious blend of colors and textures, characteristic of Degas’ skill in rendering scenes of ballet with a delicate sensitivity. The artist’s name is visibly signed on the bottom right of the artwork, further affirming its authenticity.
